The Last Chronicle of Barset eBook

’I have enough as it is, if I may only be allowed
to know that it will not be capriciously withdrawn.’
The archdeacon filled his glass unconsciously, and
sipped his wine, while he thought what further he
might say. Perhaps it might be better that he
should say nothing further at the moment. The
major, however, was indiscreet, and pushed the question.
’May I understand, sir, that you threat is withdrawn,
and that my income is secure?’

‘What, if you marry this girl?’

‘Yes sir; will my income be continued to me
if I marry Miss Crawley?’

‘No, it will not.’ Then the father
got up hastily, pushed the decanter back angrily from
his hand, and without saying another word walked away
into the drawing-room. That evening at the rectory
was gloomy. The archdeacon now and again said
a word or two to his daughter, and his daughter answered
him in monosyllables. The major sat apart moodily,
and spoke to no one. Mrs Grantly, understanding
well what had passed, knew that nothing could be done
at the present moment to restore family comfort; so
she sat by the fire and knitted. Exactly at ten
they all went to bed.

‘Dear Henry,’ said the mother to her son
the next morning; ’think much of yourself and
of your child, and of us, before you take any great
step in your life.’

‘I will, mother,’ said he. Then
he went out and put on his wrapper, and got into his
dog-cart, and drove himself to Silverbridge. He
had not spoken to his father since they were in the
dining-room on the previous evening. When he
started, the marchioness had not yet come downstairs;
but at eleven she breakfasted, and at twelve she also
was taken away. Poor Mrs Grantly had not had
much comfort from her children’s visits.

CHAPTER IV

THE CLERGYMAN’S HOUSE AT HOGGLESTOCK

Mrs Crawley had walked from Hogglestock to Silverbridge
on the occasion of her visit to Mr Walker, the attorney,
and had been kindly sent back by that gentleman in
his wife’s little open carriage. The tidings
which she brought home with her to her husband were
very grievous. The magistrates would sit on the
next Thursday—­it was then Friday—­and
Mr Crawley had better appear before them to answer
the charge made by Mr Soames. He would be served
with a summons, which he would obey of his own accord.
There had been many points very closely discussed between
Walker and Mrs Crawley, as to which there had been
great difficulty in the choice of words which should
be tender enough to convey to her the very facts as
they stood. Would Mr Crawley come, or must a policeman
be sent to fetch him? The magistrate had already
issued a warrant for his apprehension. Such in
truth was the fact, but they had agreed with Mr Walker,
that as there was no reasonable ground for anticipating
any attempt at escape on the part of the reverend
gentleman, the lawyer might use what gentle means
he could for ensuring the clergyman’s attendance.